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Trip from Medford, OR to Stafford, OR

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

5h 9m

Distance

260.7 mi

420 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$52

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
4h 56m ★
6 AM
5h 9m
8 AM
5h 36m
10 AM
5h 19m
12 PM
5h 16m
3 PM
5h 20m
5 PM
5h 35m
8 PM
5h 1m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Medford, OR, OR

Medford, OR

Stephen Leonardi

Downtown Stafford, OR, OR

Stafford, OR

Martin Dalsgaard

Trip Overview

This 260.7-mile journey from Medford, OR to Stafford, OR is easily manageable as a single-day road trip, taking approximately 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete. The route is predominantly highway, with 98% of the drive on major roads like I-5, Southwest Stafford Road, and Southwest Elligsen Road. You can expect a fuel cost of around $52 for this drive. Given the efficient highway focus, it's a straightforward trip perfect for a single day, requiring just one planned stop for refueling or a quick break. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, making for a consistent regional experience.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

130.4 miles from Medford, OR

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 35m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 9m. Total distance: 260.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (98%). Straightforward navigation.

Drive Character

Primarily a highway-focused drive, this route offers a fast-paced experience for most of its 260.7 miles. You'll spend the vast majority of your time on I-5, covering a significant uninterrupted stretch of 255.5 miles on this major interstate. While the percentage of highway driving is high at 98%, the final portions on Southwest Stafford Road and Southwest Elligsen Road will offer a slight change of pace. Expect a consistent, efficient journey with minimal navigational complexity.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 5 is the longest continuous segment at about 255.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 5 and Southwest Stafford Road. There are only a few real navigation decisions along the way. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near West 4th Street.

Driving Effort 4/10

Easy - simple navigation with a manageable amount of wheel time

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a straightforward 5h 9m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West 4th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 2.2 miles (I 5): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 10 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | West 4th Street

Turn right onto West 4th Street

Navigation decision point

5
2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the exit

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 5

Merge onto I 5

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.
8
257.4 mi into trip | ~5h 3m in | I 5

Take the exit onto I 5 toward Elligsen Road, Boones Ferry Road

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 286 Toward Elligsen Road, Boones Ferry Road
8
257.7 mi into trip | ~5h 3m in | I 5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 toward Elligsen Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward Elligsen Road

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 5 255.5 mi 4h 58m
Southwest Stafford Road 1.9 mi 3m
Southwest Elligsen Road 1.1 mi 2m
North Riverside Avenue 1.1 mi 2m
Crater Lake Highway 0.4 mi 1m
West 4th Street 0.3 mi <1m
Riverside Avenute Connection #1 0.1 mi <1m
North Fir Street 0.1 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 5 — 255.5 mi, about 4h 58m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Medford, OR and Stafford, OR.

1

Start on North Fir Street

0.1 mi · 18 sec · North Fir Street
2

Turn right onto West 4th Street

0.3 mi · 39 sec · West 4th Street
3

Turn left onto OR 99

1.1 mi · 2 min · North Riverside Avenue
4

Turn slight right onto Riverside Avenute Connection #1

0.1 mi · 23 sec · Riverside Avenute Connection #1
5

Turn straight onto OR 62

0.4 mi · 1 min · Crater Lake Highway
6

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 23 sec
7

Merge onto I 5

255 mi · 4 hr 57 min · I 5
Use the straight lane.
8

Take the exit onto I 5

0.3 mi · 27 sec · I 5
Exit 286 Toward Elligsen Road, Boones Ferry Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

212 ft · 5 sec · I 5
Toward Elligsen Road Use the right lane.
10

Turn slight right onto Southwest Elligsen Road

1.1 mi · 2 min · Southwest Elligsen Road
Use the straight lane.
11

At end of road, turn right onto Southwest 65th Avenue

195 ft · 11 sec · Southwest 65th Avenue
12

Turn left onto Southwest Stafford Road

1.9 mi · 3 min · Southwest Stafford Road
13

Turn left

22 ft · 1 sec
14

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 5-hour, 9-minute drive, departing Medford in the morning will allow you to reach Stafford with ample daylight. With the longest stretch on I-5 being 255.5 miles, plan your single stop strategically before you get too far into that long segment. The estimated fuel cost is $52, so ensure your tank is full before you leave Medford. Since this is a single-day trip, you have the flexibility to adjust your timing. A practical tip for this route is to be aware of potential traffic near larger towns along I-5, especially if traveling during peak commute hours.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 130.4 miles from Medford, OR, or about 2h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 255.5 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 57 miles or 1h 9m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 130.4 miles or 2h 35m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 12m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stafford, OR than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Medford, OR so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Medford, OR

This is one driving day of about 260.7 miles and 5h 9m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 57 miles from Medford, OR.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 5 for about 255.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 130.4 mi from Medford, OR · 2h 35m into the drive

city in Oregon, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Drain, OR

130 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Grants Pass, OR

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 57 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Drain, OR

Meal break

The midpoint is around 130.4 miles from Medford, OR, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 5 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 255.5 miles.

Arriving in Stafford, OR

The final approach into Stafford, OR usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Stafford, OR.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sweet Waters Family Restaurant & Oasis Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Albany, Oregon

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.9

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15418129220

Roger's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Albany, Oregon

0.9 mi

Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Salem, Oregon

1.3 mi

Sweet Waters Family Restaurant & Oasis Lounge

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+15418129220

Roger's Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 5 am–8 pm

+15419266717

Visit website

Flight Deck Restaurant & Lounge

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 223.5

Salem, Oregon

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+15035815721

Country Cottage Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 242.1

Woodburn, Oregon

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+15039823883

Visit website

Pop's Branding Iron Restaurant & Lounge

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour $10 to $20 mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+15419265755

Visit website

Vault 244

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour Expensive mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 4–10 pm

+15417919511

Visit website

The Squeaky Cork

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $20 to $30 mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 4–10 pm

+15419812140

Visit website

Sybaris Bistro

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour $40 to $50 mile 204.9

Albany, Oregon

Hours: 5–8 pm

+15419288157

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.6

Springfield, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

bp pulse Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 167.6

Springfield, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18332778573

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 167.6

Springfield, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

3.0 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 167.6

Springfield, Oregon

+18663003827

Visit website

Electric Era Charging Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 74.5

Canyonville, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18884092980

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 167.6

Eugene, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 167.6

Eugene, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

The Children's Museum of Southern Oregon

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15417729922

Visit website

Crunch Time!

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: 11 am–6 pm

+15418160319

Visit website

Hawthorne Park Playground

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15417742400

Visit website

Nightmares on the Rogue

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: Closed

+15414147059

Visit website

Valley of the Rogue State Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 18.6

Gold Hill, Oregon

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18005516949

Visit website

Downtown Medford Visitor Center

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route

Medford, Oregon

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15417794847

Visit website

Fichtner-Mainwaring Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

Medford, Oregon

Hours: 6 am–10:30 pm

+15417742400

Visit website

Douglas County Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 93.1

Roseburg, Oregon

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15419577007

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$51.93 one way

$103.87 round trip

$5.06/gal 25.4 MPG avg 91 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $5.36 $54.96 $109.93
premium $5.59 $57.38 $114.77
diesel $5.61 $57.56 $115.12

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$52

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$77–$102

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 91.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $27 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 78.2 0 $27.37 $12.51
Efficient EV 65.2 0 $22.81 $10.43
EV Truck/SUV 104.3 1 $36.50 $16.68

Gas CO2

91 kg

EV CO2

31 kg (66% less)

Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Medford, OR

Late night in Medford on Saturday

Local time

12:46 AM

PDT

Current temp

55°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Stafford, OR

Late night in Stafford on Saturday

Local time

12:46 AM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

14 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 9m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Medford, OR to Stafford, OR covers 260.7 miles and takes about 5h 9m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 5, Southwest Stafford Road, Southwest Elligsen Road. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 130.4 miles from Medford, OR. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $51.93 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

This is a straightforward 5h 9m drive. You will face about 10 decision points, but nothing that requires special attention if you follow navigation.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (West 4th Street): Navigation decision point; at 2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early; at 2.2 miles (I 5): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from Medford, OR to Stafford, OR does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

How this page is built

Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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